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It was a particularly warm, humid mid-September Friday as Rotarians gathered at the Country Club of Lansing for some lunch, business and networking. If there was evidence of foreboding in the air on this Friday the 13th, one would not have surmised it as an observer – casual or otherwise – our membership's overall disposition was quite jovial and carefree. Upon the ringing of the bell at precisely 12:25 p.m. President Patrick Hanes called the meeting to order. He invited one Dan Aylward to the lectern to deliver the invocation, which was followed by a rousing chorus of My Country 'tis of Thee. Casey Jacobsen, in her usual cheerful fashion, adeptly circulated the mic as guests and visiting Rotarians were introduced. Further evidence of the auspices of the day occurred when Diane Sanborn reported with a happy lilt that the health of the club was in excellent order. President Hanes then directed his members' attention to the notably gargantuan television monitor, where photographs of the Sept. 10 grand-opening celebration of Rotary Park were displayed. Dave Trumpie and Curt Sonnenberg's photo documentation of the historic event made those who were unable to attend feel as though they actually had participated. To ensure optimal attendance, President Hanes wisely announced that next week's meeting on Sept. 20 will take place at the Crown Plaza in Delta Township. Members were also invited to bring with them a mobile device and stay afterward to learn how to make a movie from, for example, photos of the grand-opening event as a memento.  On behalf of the Rotary Foundation, President John Person presented to Al Blankenship, Center Director of the Michigan Dyslexia Institute, a check in the amount of $2,500.00. Al Blankenship gratefully reported that the funds would allow the Institute to send 15 dyslexic children to Camp Starlight for one week. There, the children would learn that they are not alone in their disability and hear from four speakers about their struggles with dyslexia and how they succeeded despite it.  Reminding Rotarians in attendance that they'd committed to a donation three times a year (Christmas, birthday month and Paul Harris), President Hanes mentioned a "spooner" donation, not to be mistaken for the act of spooning or the donation of oneself for the purpose of spooning, which is an altogether different matter for another time, perhaps. Rather, a donation may be made by a Rotarian in the name of a child or grandchild, who would then receive a commemorative spoon. President Hanes announced that he'd made just such a donation in the name of his grandchild, who arrived in the world just recently. President Hanes' daughter lives in Cleveland, Ohio, and taught him how to FaceTime to shorten the distance between them. Congratulations, President Hanes, for becoming a grandfather! President Hanes presented a Red Badge to Nicole Baumer, Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, indicating that she follows in the steps of her mother, Laurie Baumer, "another great Rotarian!" President Hanes also announced that the Nominating Committee, led by Dennis Fliehman, is seeking members who are interested in filling board positions. Candidates must be in good standing with respect to their attendance, dues and participation in Rotary. For the Special Music portion of the meeting, John Dale Smith announced that Lyn Klug, a famous director/actor, passed away. Joe Dixon, founder and Executive Director of Over the Ledge Theatre Company in Grand Ledge, worked on a number of musical productions throughout the summer, including The Great American Trailer Park Musical, which opened at The Ledges Playhouse Sept. 12 and will run through Sept. 22. To everyone's amusement, John wondered aloud whether David O'Leary remembers when he lived in a trailer park. John then introduced two cast members from the musical, Bryan Farment who plays the character Norbert; and Angie Schwaub, who plays his agoraphobic wife, Jeannie. Together, they sang Owner of My Heart, followed by a solo of Panic by Angie. The cost of admission is $10. As Chair of the Day Chris Holman tipped his hat to John Dale, opining that the entertainment was looking up based on audience reaction. He also announced that the Sept. 16 golf outing will result in $10,000 in unrestricted funds and that there was still room for one more golfer to join a threesome. The outing is at Forest Akers West, with an 11:30 a.m. shotgun start. Chris then introduced today's speaker, Brian Calley, President of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Brian's presentation, entitled Michigan Entrepreneurship Scorecard: Empowering Michigan Entrepreneurs, is available CLICK HERE Brian will also host My Hidden Talent Workshop Oct. 28. President Hanes indicated to Brian Calley that a donation to Rotary's Bio Sand Filter water project in the Dominican Republic would be made in his honor in lieu of a speaker's gift. President Hanes then congratulated Paul Rathbun on his recent nuptials, and announced that Joel Hoffman would lead a presentation on Vietnam Revisited next week at the Crowne Plaza on Creyts Road. The meeting adjourned promptly at 1:30 p.m. without further ado. |
